Like most attributes we long for (peace, tuberculosis patience, goodness), a happy heart takes root in the discipline of giving thanks. It’s the secret weapon of the joyous Christian! But what is it about gratitude that creates a happy heart?

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Commit to the following things for 30 days and watch joy come into your life:

Start a joy journal.

Play Pollyanna’s “Glad Game.” (The article below gives more details for those of us that haven’t seen the movie – myself included)

Look for the silver lining.

Say “thank you” before “please.” (This is a great tip that has helped us in our prayer lives and to keep perspective on the many things we have already been given.)

Remember the “Thanksgiving Special.”

Try a Scripture search. Search for the reasons to rejoice in the Bible. I’m always amazed at what I learn, when I take the time to look just a little. It only takes 5 minutes.

Just ask. Have you tried asking God for to fill your heart with joy and what He would like you to do to give you joy?